We get so busy working in our business, organizing our family’s schedule, managing the household, paying our bills, etc. that it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. Too busy to see if what we are working so hard to achieve is what we even want anymore.

It is important to take some time and re-evaluate to see if what we desired a year ago, or even 6 months ago, is what we still want. Our lives get so accustomed to a routine that we don’t even notice that the routine doesn’t even serve us anymore.

We are creatures of habit. Not to mention that there is that nagging voice of “should and shouldn’t” in the mix.

Well, I am a huge advocate of building your life and business the way YOU choose. Here are a few steps you can take to help you re-connect and evaluate if what you are spending your time on is getting you where you want to go.

Reflect:

Take a look at what is currently going on in your life . To do this you want to go to a quiet space where you will not be interrupted.

To be truly successful, you must look at all areas; Financially, Relationally, Mentally, Spiritually, and Physically. This goes for you personally, as well as, professionally. It all counts!

Make a list of what is not working in each of these areas . Then, make a list of what is working. Be as specific as possible.

Keep in mind; this is only the results of past choices you have made. So, do not get too discouraged if your have more on your “not working” list than your “working” list.

Review:

Realistically, if we try to change everything all at once, nothing will change, or at least change permanently.

Review your lists. Out of the “not working” list, what are the top 5 overall that you feel, when you get it to “work,” will make the most difference in your business and/or your life.

Next to each of them, write 1 thing that you can do differently that will begin to move you in the right direction and turn it around. Don’t make your task too big, or it will be difficult to maintain.

For example, let’s say you wanted to add exercise to your routine. Instead of putting down you will begin a new diet and run 5 miles, 6 days a week, put down that you will add a 20-30 minute walk, 4 nights a week.

Pick tasks that you can consistently do. It takes a while to create a new habit. Give it time, you can always speed it up after it becomes a habit.

Resolve:

Now that you reflected on what is not working, reviewed what you want to change, you must resolve (make a strong decision) to make it happen.
Ever notice that once you decide to change something, it seems like all sorts of obstacles appear to keep you from changing? Well, the answer to that is simple. It always does!

Human beings are creatures of habit with huge egos, to boot! Without intentional, concentrated effort, we will keep doing the same thing over and over, which keeps us getting the same results.

Having a supportive environment is very helpful. For my Success Circle members, included is access to a forum where members can connect with each other and get support during their transformations.

We must make the decision that, no matter what, we will keep taking the necessary steps to create the change. And, get support if we need it.

Reward:

Finally, after diligently working to achieve what it is that you want, it is important to reward yourself during the journey – and reward yourself often.

Life is not meant to be only full of work, work and more work. We need to reward ourselves for those things that are “working.” We are quick to criticize when we do something wrong, but stall when we should celebrate what goes right.

I love the saying, “It is not the destination that is most important. It is the journey.” Not sure who said it, but it is so true.

Take time to reward yourself for the steps you take along the way.

One way I reward myself after working diligently on my business is taking a ½ or even a full day off and spending it any way I choose. At first it was hard to take time away when there is so much to do. But over time, I realized that I had more energy and was more productive when I have taken time away.

From time to time, be sure to check in and reflect, review, resolve and reward. Make sure you are enjoying the journey along the way. It all counts!

© 2008-2010 The Business Of You, Inc.

Author's Bio: 

Jo Della Penna, CEO of The Business of YOU, Inc. is known as the Business Transformation Mentor. She is an inspiring and motivating speaker and author who helps women entrepreneurs build profitable businesses while balancing successful and rewarding family lives.

Jo's signature program, Be You, Be Real, Be Rich™ - is the foundation of her system to bring the authentic YOU into your business, which unleashes the money making potential hidden inside.

She has worked with hundreds of clients and is a sought after speaker in the areas of business and balance. Jo has grown a successful business working from home while raising her son and twins. She is a regular contributor to the San Francisco Examiner, Los Angeles divison, and is a member of many networking associations including the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of National Speakers Association (NSA/GLAC). She lives and works in Southern California.

If you liked today's article, you'll love Jo's incredible business success products and programs to help you grow your business while enjoying your life in the process. If you're ready to jump-start your business, make more money, and have more joy and excitement in your life, get your FREE tips now at http://www.TheBusinessofYou.com

You can also follow her on her blog: http://www.thebusinessofyou.typepad.com/beyouberealberich